Snorkelling with dolphinsin the open ocean

“Being able to appreciate the gracefulness of cetaceansunderwater should be regarded as a privilege and a gift from the ocean”

Encountering dolphins face to face in their natural habitat,the open ocean, can be an intense experience. We do not want to deprive ourselves of offering our guests such an encounter,as we know first-hand how amazing and touching it can be. Our goal is to give our guests the opportunity to meet these impressive animals underwater while maintaining a respectful approachtowards the cetaceans and other marine life.

Trip Details

The trip takes place using our
zodiac, STENELLA

Snorkelers hold on to buoys fixed
on a rope and will be slowly pulled
by the boat at the waters surface
alongside the dolphins.

This is a passive encounter that does not
involve actively swimming with the animals

The targeted species for the experience
are the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella
frontalis) and the Short-beaked common
dolphins (Delphinus delphis)

We take a maximum of 8 snorkelers per trip.
There may be 4 additional persons
accompanying the snorkelers on board

You will have a captain on board
and a guide with you in the water
attending to your needs

Guests on board should be equipped
with a mask & snorkel, designated aquatic
thermal wear, a towel, warm clothes
and a bottle of water

Wetsuit obligatory. We do not provide wetsuits
for participants but our staff will gladly assist you
with rental suggestions.

General Conditions

The crew will take the animals behavior
and their eagerness to interact into consideration
as well as the physical condition of participants
before and during the trip

Snorkelers are to remain passive on-lookers
in the water

It is essential that participants
are familiar with using snorkeling equipment
(mask & snorkel) and with the open ocean

Fees do not include a guarantee
for a sighting or encounter.

Financial refunds are excluded

Please do not hesitate to contact
our booking staff should you have
further questions.

For more details please refer
to the following link:

Our Approach

It is our highest priority to always remember that we are dealing with wild and free animals
in any given moment and that we are guests in their element. Snorkeling is allowed with two species of dolphins in Madeira:
Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) our winter dolphins, and spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), our summer dolphins.

Snorkeling trips to the dolphins only take place if all general conditions are met.
This will be established beforehand by our crew and spotters.
However, we must not forget that we are dealing with nature here, and nature is not entirely predictable for us humans.
We can not and do not wish to give any guarantees for what nature has to offer.

A gentle and safe encounter for both parties has a higher priority for us.
For this reason, we would like to ask our guests to please respect our basic ethical principles
while snorkeling with these beautiful creatures. These principles are explained in greater detail
in the introductory talk before the trip, and are confirmed by all participants with their signature.

Just like with whale watching, we can not guarantee you sightings. And there may also be reasons that prevent our crew from
allowing you, as a paying guest to enter the water. Such reasons may be related to the safety of the
guests or the well-being of the animals, and must be accepted by all participants without dispute.

Before coming on board…

What can you do to be
as well-prepared as possible?

– You should be familiar with your mask and snorkel, and also with the open sea. This way, you can concentrate all your attention on the animals.

– A properly fitting swimsuit (no bikini)/swimming trunks give(s) more confidence. You may also wear a T-shirt over your bikini.

– You should be healthy and free of any infection.

– It is not possible to use glasses for snorkelling, so we recommend the use of contact lenses for a more effective and comfortable experience.

– Please always remember that your own physical condition will determine your experience and also that of others with you in the water.

– If you can, please bring your own equipment (snorkel, mask, swimming suit). Lobosonda can also provide you with a mask and snorkel.

– If you use our mask and snorkel, you are responsible for this equipment. Please return it in good condition. Otherwise we have to charge you. For the loss of the mask it’s 35€ and 15€ for the loss of the snorkel.

How should you behave during encounters with marine mammals?

– Glide into the water slowly, quietly and carefully.– Refrain from any frantic movement.– Relax and float on the surface.– Repeatedly get into eye contact with the crew on board.– Be patient and let the animals decide what they want to do.– Make sure you turn off the flash on your underwater camera.– Do not overestimate your abilities.

It is impossible for us to judge your physical condition, and your water skills before or during the trip. We can not know how you will react
when all of a sudden you are floating on the surface with 1000 metres of water below you, or if a large fish appears. We neither expect you to be
a diver, nor be barely able to swim. For this reason, all participants are
required to sign a declaration of personal responsibility, as Lobosonda does not assume any liability for potential accidents.